Resettable circulation tool

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to an abrasive jet drilling assembly. In one aspect, a resettable circulation tool for use in an abrasive jet drilling assembly is provided. The resettable circulation tool includes an inner body having a first port in fluid communication with a bore. The resettable circulation tool further includes an outer body having a second port. Additionally, the resettable circulation tool includes a cam member configured to move along one or more slots, wherein the bodies move relative to each other to selectively align and misalign the first port and the second port as the cam member moves along the slots. In another aspect, a method of using a resettable circulation tool disposed in an abrasive jet drilling assembly includes moving the first and second ports into and out of alignment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/427,549, filed Dec. 28, 2010, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an abrasive jet drilling assembly. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a resettable circulation tool for use in the abrasive jet drilling assembly.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the oil and gas industry, a wellbore may be formed by using an abrasive jet drilling assembly. The abrasive jet drilling assembly typically includes a jetting drill device disposed on a drill string. The jetting drill device ejects a high velocity stream of drilling fluid which includes abrasive particles. The high velocity stream of drilling fluid erodes the rock adjacent the jetting drill device to form the wellbore. If the abrasive jet drilling assembly encounters a gas cake (e.g. gas pocket) while forming the wellbore, it is oftentimes necessary to circulate back through a circulation port of a circulation tool. There are circulation tools commercially available that enable a downhole circulation port to be opened from the surface. Current designs of such circulation tools are limited in their number of operation and function by dropping a ball, shearing a pin, or other method that precludes utilizing the circulating function for another event. Many tools function by dropping a ball or plug that impedes further flow as the circulation function is not reversible or resettable. Additionally, these circulation tools stay open without the ability to utilize the flow through the body of the circulation tool as per the initial (pre-deployed) condition. Therefore, there is a need for a resettable circulation tool for use in the abrasive jet drilling assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relate to an abrasive jet drilling assembly. In one aspect, a resettable circulation tool for use in an abrasive jet drilling assembly includes an inner body having a first port in fluid communication with a bore; an outer body having a second port; and a cam member configured to move along one or more slots, wherein the bodies move relative to each other to selectively align and misalign the first port and the second port as the cam member moves along the slots.

In another aspect, a resettable circulation tool for use in an abrasive jet drilling assembly is provided. The resettable circulation tool includes an inner body having a first port in fluid communication with a bore. The resettable circulation tool further includes an outer body having slots formed on an inner surface, wherein the outer body includes a second port. Additionally, the resettable circulation tool includes a cam member configured to move along the slots of the outer body, wherein the bodies move relative to each other to selectively align and misalign the first port and the second port as the cam member moves along the slots.

In another aspect, a method of using a resettable circulation tool disposed in an abrasive jet drilling assembly is provided. The method includes the step of positioning a jetting drill device in the abrasive jet drilling assembly into contact with a portion of a wellbore. The method further includes the step of applying a first axial force and a first rotational force on the drilling assembly, thereby causing a first port and a second port in the resettable circulation tool to align. The method also includes the step of pumping fluid through the ports of the resettable circulation tool. The method further includes the step of applying a second axial force and a second rotational force on the drilling assembly, thereby causing the first port and the second port to misalign. Additionally, the method includes the step of pumping fluid through the resettable circulation tool and into the jetting drill device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a resettable circulation tool in an abrasive jet drilling assembly.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view illustrating the resettable circulation tool in the abrasive jet drilling assembly.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view illustrating the resettable circulation tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to a resettable circulation tool for use in the abrasive jet drilling assembly. To better understand the novelty of the resettable circulation tool of the present invention and the methods of use thereof, reference is hereafter made to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a resettable circulation tool 100 in an abrasive jet drilling assembly 200. Generally, the abrasive jet drilling assembly 200 is used to form a wellbore by ejecting a high velocity stream of drilling fluid which includes abrasive particles. The abrasive jet drilling assembly 200 includes a jetting drill device 205 for ejecting the high velocity stream of drilling fluid. The abrasive jet drilling assembly 200 is connected to a drill string (not shown). The abrasive jet drilling assembly 200 further includes the resettable circulation tool 100.

The resettable circulation tool 100 includes a plurality of circulation ports 105 that may be selectively opened during the drilling operation to circulate drilling fluid out of the drill string and then closed. The resettable circulation tool 100 could be operated multiple times during the drilling operation. The resettable circulation tool 100 is normally closed, and may optionally be provided with a shear pin safety system to prevent unwanted operation. The resettable circulation tool 100 is movable between a closed position (normal operation) and an opened position. In the opened position, fluid is circulated out from the resettable circulation tool 100 above the device 205 to eliminate a shot column. To move the resettable circulation tool 100 to the opened position from the closed position, a downward motion will allow the resettable circulation tool 100 to open and allow circulation, and remain in this position until a similar downward motion is utilized to close the resettable circulation tool 100 and resume the drilling operation. The resettable circulation tool 100 can be operated as often as required to accomplish the desired objectives during the drilling operation.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view illustrating the resettable circulation tool 100 in the abrasive jet drilling assembly 200. As shown, a bore 210 of the jetting drill device 205 is in fluid communication with a bore 110 of the resettable circulation tool 100. During the drilling operation, drill fluid is pumped through the drill string through the bores 110, 210 and then out of the jetting drill device 205. The drill fluid includes abrasive particles that are configured to erode the rock to form the wellbore. The resettable circulation tool 100 in the closed position (e.g. normal operation) allows all of the drill fluid to flow though the bore 110 of the resettable circulation tool 100. The resettable circulation tool 100 in the opened position allows substantially all of the drill fluid to flow though the circulation ports 105 of the resettable circulation tool 100.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view illustrating the resettable circulation tool 100. The resettable circulation tool 100 generally includes an inner sub 130 and an outer sub 125. Each sub 125, 130 has the requisite connection member, such as a threaded connection, that is required to be placed above the jetting drill device 205, and allows the subs 125, 130 to be an extension of the jetting drill device 205. The inner sub 130 has the sector control profile, such as slots, that allows the “ratcheting” function of the sub's operation. As set forth herein, cams 140 are installed into the outer sub 125 to provide the control of the ports 105 to either the opened position or the closed position. In one embodiment, there are three sets of cams 140 and profiles to allow strength to support the resettable circulation tool 100 function. In addition, there may also be a lock collar 160 that adds additional shear strength in tension operations. The outer sub 125 may optionally include shear pins with total WOB (Weight on Bit) loads from 9,500 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. to actuate the circulation function of the resettable circulation tool 100 for the first time.

The resettable circulation tool 100 is generally a two-position tool, which can be cycled from the closed position to the opened position and back again to the closed position any number of times. The resettable circulation tool 100 is cycled by a downward direction force, arrow 165, with slight rotation in a first direction. In one embodiment, the first direction is toward the right. Re-pressurization (e.g. by restoring flow) pumps open the tool and open the circulating ports 105 of the resettable circulation tool 100. In the event that this action needs to be reversed (e.g. moved to the closed position), the downward force 165 is once again applied with slight rotation in the first direction, and re-pressurizing to pump, the circulation ports 105 are closed.

The resettable circulation tool 100 allows numerous cycles from opened position to closed position as required during the drilling operation. In addition, there is no obstruction to flow in the bore 110 of the resettable circulation tool 100 as compared to current designs of circulation tools which require a ball or a plug to operate. Further, there are minimum maintenance requirements in the resettable circulation tool 100 other than grease flush during cleaning. In one embodiment, shear pins may be included to ensure a minimum operating force (e.g. downward force 165) prior to operation; however this feature would be single use only.

The resettable circulation tool 100 is installed in-line with the jetting drill device 205 (see FIG. 2), with appropriate connections and crossovers as required. The inlet 170 is the fluid inlet for the resettable circulation tool 100 and directly provides a flow path to the jetting drill device 205 through a crossover at the bottom. The only other flow ports are ports 105, 155.

During the operation of the resettable circulation tool 100, the flow ports 105 are either closed or open. The resettable circulation tool 100 is operated by pressure acting as a spring and forcing the outer sub 125 to travel downward and stop. In one embodiment, low pressure operation of around 100 to 300 PSI is used.

The resettable circulation tool 100 includes cam 140 which drives the outer sub 125 through the slots 145 that control the positioning of the outer sub 125 relative to the inner sub 130. In one embodiment, the slots 145 extend circumferentially around the inner sub 130 and axially along a substantial length thereof. In one embodiment, the slots 145 extend circumferentially around the outer sub 125 and axially along a substantial length thereof. The slots 145 include guides and shoulders (not shown) that are used to direct the cam 140 along a slot pathway. The slots 145 may include a plurality of longer length slots and a plurality of shorter length slots. In one embodiment, a shear pin 135 may be utilized to prevent the movement of the cam 140 in the slots 140 unless sufficient force, such as 10,000 lbs. to 35,000 lbs., is applied downward.

The slots 145 have been arranged to have the resettable circulation tool 100 function with applied downward force (e.g. 165), but the resettable circulation tool 100 is recommended to have right-hand torque when setting down. The slots 145 provide up and down function but will resist rotating the outer sub 125 relative to the inner sub 120. The slots 145 provide different slot lengths for open or closed positions. The open position is longer, providing the additional length to open the flow ports 105, 155 to the bore 110. In one embodiment, the slot configuration has three dual function segments in the cam surfaces.

In the closed position as shown in FIG. 3, flow cannot exit the resettable circulation tool 100, and the flow is directed into the jetting drill device 205. If outboard circulation is desired, the force 165 (e.g. WOB) is applied with a slight torque in the first direction. In turn, the cam 140 is reset into a longer length slot of the slots 145, so that when the pressure is applied to the resettable circulation tool 100, it will cycle to the opening of the flow ports 105. The resultant area is 6 times the nozzle area with a corresponding pressure drop. In other words, to move the resettable circulation tool 100 to the opened position, the resettable circulation tool 100 is cycled by a downward direction force, arrow 165, with slight rotation in a first direction, which causes the cam 140 to move along the guides of the slots 145 and stop at one of the shoulders. At this point, the inner port 155 of the inner sub 120 is aligned with the outer port 105 of the outer sub 125, and fluid is allowed to exit the resettable circulation tool 100.

To move the resettable circulation tool 100 from the opened position to the closed position, substantially the same set down force 165 (e.g. WOB) is applied with a torque in the first direction which allows the outer sub 125 to rotate to a shorter length slot in the slots 145, and when pressurized, the resettable circulation tool 100 will cycle to the closed position with the flow ports 105 closed again. In other words the inner port 155 of the inner sub 120 is misaligned with the outer port 105 of the outer sub 125, and fluid is prevented from exiting the resettable circulation tool 100. Repetition of the same downward action will reset the resettable circulation tool 100 to either the closed or open position as desired. The resettable circulation tool 100 alternatively either opens or closes during activation.

The resettable circulation tool 100 includes a first seal 115 and a second seal 120 between the inner sub 120 and the outer sub 125. The seals 115, 120 are configured to prevent the leakage of fluid between the subs 120, 125. The seals 115, 120 also seal ports 105, 155 and provide the necessary seal and backup for 10,000 PSI operation for multiple cycles.

In another embodiment, the threaded collar 160 may be used for tensile strength. Specifically, the threaded collar 160 is used at the bottom of the inner sub 120 to retain the integrity of the resettable circulation tool 100 if the cams malfunction.

In addition to circulating fluid, the resettable circulation tool 100 may be used to allow for drill string drainage (after shot is circulated out) and subsequent (dry string) to aid in drill string servicing when coming out of the hole. This is enabled by opening the ports 105 in a similar manner, as described herein, for drainage of the drill string.

The resettable circulation tool 100 may be furnished as a custom tool to match the threaded connections of the jetting drill device 205 and the desired upper connection, as well as larger sizes of jetting drill devices.

The simplicity and ease of maintenance of the resettable circulation tool 100 are maintained by removing the threaded collar 160 and the three cam pins 140. Larger resettable circulation tools may have more cam pins. Once removal of the cam pins 140 has been accomplished, the inner sub 120 is removed from the outer sub 125 for cleaning and seal replacement.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

1. A resettable circulation tool for use in an abrasive jet drilling assembly, the tool comprising: an inner body having a first port in fluid communication with a bore; an outer body having a second port; and a cam member configured to move along one or more slots, wherein the bodies move relative to each other to selectively align and misalign the first port and the second port as the cam member moves along the slots.
 2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the slots include a first slot along which the cam member moves to move the bodies relative to each other to a position where the first and second ports are in alignment.
 3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the slots include a second slot along which the cam member moves to move the bodies relative to each other to a position where the first and second ports are not in alignment.
 4. The tool of claim 3, wherein the first slot has a length that is longer than a length of the second slot.
 5. The tool of claim 4, wherein the first and second slots are disposed axially along the inner surface of the outer body or along the outer surface of the inner body, and wherein the cam is movable between the first and second slots by relative rotation between the inner body and the outer body.
 6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the slots are disposed axially and circumferentially along the inner surface of the outer body or along the outer surface of the inner body.
 7. The tool of claim 1, wherein the inner body is axially movable relative to the outer body as the cam member moves along the slots.
 8. The tool of claim 1, wherein the inner body is rotatable relative to the outer body as the cam member moves along the slots.
 9. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a shear pin coupled to the inner body and the outer body to provide a minimum operating force prior to operation.
 10. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a collar coupled to the inner body for engagement with the outer body.
 11. A method of using a resettable circulation tool disposed in an abrasive jet drilling assembly, the method comprising: positioning a jetting drill device in the abrasive jet drilling assembly into contact with a portion of a wellbore; applying a first axial force and a first rotational force on the abrasive jet drilling assembly, thereby causing a first port and a second port in the resettable circulation tool to align; pumping fluid through the first and second ports of the resettable circulation tool; applying a second axial force and a second rotational force on the abrasive jet drilling assembly, thereby causing the first port and the second port to misalign; and pumping fluid through the resettable circulation tool and into the jetting drill device.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising moving a cam member along a first slot to move the first port and the second port into alignment.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising moving the cam member along a second slot to move the first port and the second port out of alignment.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first slot has a length that is longer than a length of the second slot.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second slots are disposed axially along an inner body or along an outer body of the resettable circulation tool, and wherein the cam is movable between the first and second slots by relative rotation between the inner body and the outer body.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second slots are disposed axially and circumferentially along a body of the resettable circulation tool.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising pumping substantially all of the fluid through the resettable circulation tool and into the jetting drill device when the first and second ports are misaligned.
 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising pumping substantially all of the fluid through the first and second ports when aligned.
 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising shearing a shear pin of the resettable circulation tool to provide a minimum operating force prior to operation.
 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising draining fluid from the abrasive jet drilling assembly through the first and second ports when in alignment. 